KCATA will begin replenishing its fleet with 25 CNG buses and an estimated acquisition of 15 additional CNG buses each year thereafter until 256 CNG buses have been deployed.

“We are committed to clean air technology,” said Mark Huffer, GM for KCATA. “The transition to natural gas from diesel signals the start of a new era of clean technology vehicles for not only our 16 million customers who ride every year, but for the entire Kansas City metropolitan area.”

Within three years, KCATA is expected to use approximately 700,000 diesel gallon equivalents of CNG per year, which reduces greenhouse gases by 1,622 metric tons per year, the equivalent of taking 335 cars off the road per year.

Within 15 years, KCATA estimates it can displace nearly 2.5 million diesel gallons each year.

Jean-Marc Landry will take over as CEO, while William Trainer will transition from his CEO role to undertake the roles and responsibilities of president and remain as a member of the board of directors.

Staff informed the board that this is intended to be the last diesel bus purchase that SamTrans will make because the Transit District would eventually like to convert its current fleet to electric buses in the future.